Estate administration is the process of managing and distributing a deceased person's estate according to their will or the laws of intestacy if there is no will.
This includes collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries.

The executor named in the will is responsible for administering the estate.
If there is no will, an administrator is appointed by the court.
The executor or administrator is also known as the personal representative.

Probate is the legal process of proving a will's validity and authorising the executor to administer the estate.
It involves filing the will with the court and obtaining a grant of probate.
A grant of probate is a legal document issued by the court that confirms the executor's authority to administer the estate.
It is required to access and distribute the deceased's assets.

If there is no will, the estate is distributed according to the laws of intestacy.
The court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate, usually a close relative of the deceased.

The time required to administer an estate can vary widely depending on the complexity of the estate, the number of beneficiaries, and any disputes that may arise.
It can take anywhere from a few months to several years.